Findlay Market, The Heart of Cincinnati

You haven’t experienced Cincinnati’s food scene until you’ve been to Findlay Market. Nestled in the scenic neighborhood of Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market houses over 40 indoor stalls for vendors, as well as outdoor stalls during the warmer months. It’s Ohio’s oldest operating public market and welcomes over a million visitors each year. Vendors come from farms, bakeries, and restaurants all over the Cincinnati area to demonstrate the local cuisine and quality ingredients you can get from your own backyard. In fact, Findlay Market is one of the largest employers in the area, creating jobs and opportunities for all interested in local food.

This Cincinnati gem is also one of the city’s most beautiful landmarks. Hundreds of flower boxes are planted each spring, and the organizing committee also planted over 100 trees along the walkways and paths to provide shade over the past 5 years. It’s an extremely clean and curated property providing visitors with gorgeous scenery and a homey atmosphere.

You could explore the market on your own, but there’s a chance you may get lost. So, why not take a tour? There are a variety of tours available at the market, all you need to do is sign up for one online in advance. The Original Findlay Market Tour is the crème de la crème of tours; meet your local guide in the market center and follow their lead through the winding paths. Learn about the history of the estate, how the market came to be, and the future of this beloved attraction. Feel free to sample food from the vendors as you go, because this tour includes 5 sample tickets. For 90 minutes of guided exploration and tasting, all that’s required is a $20 donation to the market.

For a more go-with-the-flow tour, you can sign up for the Basic Tour, which is only 30 minutes and costs $5. You’ll get a guided lay of the land as well as a brief history of the market. The Tour and Treat option costs only $5 more and you get a special treat from one of three vendors. If you’re seeking more independence in your exploration, the Findlay Market’s website has a recorded audio tour you can download to your Smartphoneand follow along with headphones.

There are different events held year-round at Findlay Market, and one of the best is the Craft Beer Series and Music @ The Market. Every weekend from May to September, a different regional brewery is given the spotlight to teach visitors about their beer, the brewing process, provide demonstrations, and even hand out samples. All the while, a different local musician provides live entertainment. It is a must-do for anyone coming to the market.

Findlay Market has so much to offer to the Cincinnati community; from showcasing local vendors, encouraging people to shop local, teaching about sustainable farming, and bringing everyone together. To learn more about Findlay, how to become a vendor, and how you can get involved to support this great institution, visit their website.